Impressionist Sausages

They cycle through woodlands, past fields, and villages.

They see cows, horses, orchards, thatched cottages, and long views of the river.

This area was an inspiration for Sisley, says Nico.

THE Sisley? asks Belle.

Ha ha, laughs Terence.

What's so funny? asks Belle. 

Sizzly Sausages, says Terence.

Terence can be annoying. Belle now sees the beautiful landscape as it might have been painted by Sizzly.

 Sausage cows, (long and brown), sausage horses ( curved and brown), thatched cottages( pink sausages at the windows) , and the river, (a never ending sausage, a work of art on its own).

Honestly Terence, says Belle.

Why don't you try sketching, says Nico. 

I don't have an itch, says Terence.

Sketching is making a drawing, says Nico. It will be a change from bird spotting.

Okay, says Terence. Can we stop while I do it?

It is time for a break, says Belle. Let's sit here and look at the river, while Terence sketches.

They stop.

Terence sits on the grass and spreads out the paper bag, which once held his damp shorts, and on which is his short list of birds. He turns it over, and starts sketching in ( he imagines) the manner of Sizzly.

The three frogs are enjoying their freedom. 

Let's race to the river! cries Parsley. Go!

She hops towards the river.

Quiet-tartus and the knowlesi look at one another. What a cheater! 

Nico takes Baby Pierre and Ouvert out of his pocket, and sets them down on the grass.

We might walk on from here, says Baby Pierre. The open road beats travelling in a pocket.

Yes, says Ouvert. Now we know.

Are you sure? asks Belle.

Yes, says Baby Pierre. O for a life on the open road!

Okay, says Belle. See you in Le Havre.

The pebbles head off. 

Hey! calls Nico. Le Havre is that way!

They change direction.

Terence has filled his whole paper with impressionist sausages, when  Roo-kai returns from watching the frog race.

Who won? asks Terence.

Parsley, says Roo-kai. But the bad news is, I couldn't see the carrot.

The river here is tidal, says Nico. It may have gone backwards.

Like Baby Pierre and Ouvert, says Terence.

Have they gone? asks Roo-kai. 

Yes, says Belle. Perhaps you could keep an eye out.

Roo-kai sighs. 

Carrot floating backwards. Frogs racing. Pebbles rolling forward.

But he cheers up when he sees Terence's Sizzly.